A RECRUITMENT drive is underway ahead of the opening a nightclub in a north Durham market town.

The £2.2m Studio, in Chester-le-Street, is the latest upmarket venture for Vimac Leisure, with the search on for over 40 full and part-time staff members to begin work in mid-May.

Studio is a new concept bar and nightclub, which has been purpose-designed and built to offer two self-contained floors, each with a bar, dance area, plasma screens and seating booths.

Altered lighting effects and differing music policies will clearly define each level

Two recruitment open evenings will be held at the Chester-le-Street Community Centre, from 6pm to 9pm today, and from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday.

Representatives from Vimac Leisure, including bar managers and staff from a selection of its other venues, will be on hand to meet and assess hopeful applicants.

Studio's manager, Colin Rowlings, said: "Studio will be the first nightclub of its kind in Chester-le-Street and will bring a very high-quality venue to the town.

"As part of our recruitment plans, we are looking for both full and part-time staff to achieve the high level of customer service we are committed to offering."

Vimac Leisure managing director Paul Mackings said: "We are very excited about the forthcoming opening."